My [Res]Life

Once upon a time I became an RA and blogged about it.

[ra-robn]

This is the end.

Obviously, my ResLife blog has been discontinued... This year has just been TOO crazy to document my job and keep up with a regular blog! I am not going to delete this account, just so it can be searched/used by other RAs for a resource... But I AM going to start my own personal blog. Because I still love Tumblr and I just want an outlet where I can be ME. Follow me if you'd like :) http://robnaqil.tumblr.com/ Thank you to all those who followed my first year journey! Good vibes to all my fellower Resident Assistants :) Peace & Love, ra-robn

[ra-robn]

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS! I'm so glad I got to be on the OTHER side this time around... Plus, I got to be in the "easy/fun" bcd segment... We were homeless squatters living in the laundry rooms. Haha :)

[ra-robn]

Hello from beautiful Long Beach! I'm currently at RA Training and growing more and more excited each day. New building, new staff, and new residents. Stay tuned for Robn's ResLife: Part 2 (:

[ra-robn]

Good vibes from Gujarat! I got some solid internet and decided to check up on my Tumblr to find a bunch of new followers, so helllloooooooooooooooo! Obviously my blog is on a haitus since I'm currently living on the other side of the globe, but in exactly two weeks I'll be on a plane back to the US! Things are incredible here in India, and every day is an adventure. I'm learning so much, especially about myself. But while I'm currently living my dream, my mind travels home so often. I think of my family, friends, and of course my job. A week before I left, I got the AWESOME news that I'll be an RA this year in the International House, my first choice, with my favorite coordinator as my boss! I can't wait to move back to Long Beach and into the ResHalls. Enjoy the rest of the Summer and talk to you all soon -Robn

[ra-robn]

:)

So sorry I just left everyone hanging! After Move Out Day, life got craaaaazy. I'm back in my hometown right now, next week I'm going to San Francisco, then I'm travelling to San Luis Obispo for a bit, then back home (& do my dreadlocks, finally) then off to San Diego, thennnnnn.... I leave for India! Yes, India! I'm moving to Ahmedebad for two months to do two things I love: teach and travel! I'll be living in a small village in Patan and teaching a class of 5th graders. My trip is soon approaching and I've almost got everything in order. Send good vibes my way! As for my RA Job, the day after I return from India, I'm going to an Edward Sharpe concert at the Hollywood Bowl, then the next day I move back into the dorms for Summer Training. Crazy, huh? It's not 100% official yet, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to be in our International House next year, meaning almost all my residents will be International Students! I-House is known for being a difficult place to RA, and it'll be a total 180flip from this year, but I thought long and hard about it and think it's the perfect place for me. I know if anybody can do it, I can. And all my coworkers constantly tell me how great I'll be there. So I have that to look forward to :) All in all, life is good. I still cannot believe my first year as an RA went so well... and so quickly. I made some amazing friends, had incredible residents, and ended the year with the title of Rookie of the Year. I learned so much about myself, became much more confident/independent, and had some of the best times of my life. Wow. I loved keeping this blog and will hopefully do the same next year. Thanks for following my adventure as a First Year RA. Enjoy your Summer and see you in the Fall :)

Peace & Love, friends.

[ra-robn]

Last Beachside Staff Outing :( Our coordinators sent us on a Scavenger Hunt, just like they did at the beginning of the year, except this was much more personal and meaningful. Each clue led us to a spot in Long Beach that was special to somebody on staff. At that place, that person would have a heartfelt letter from the coords read to them by their partner. Then everyone would go around and say something they loved, admired, or will miss about that person. We ended the day at Jenna's, with KBBQ and her jacuzzi. It was such a great way to get out our goodbyes. Emotional for sure. I have loved being on this staff. We were so dynamic and worked SO well as a group. We made Beachside a community and really brought together the residents. I am going to miss these people.

[ra-robn]

Accepting my Award at our End-of-the-Year Banquet. :')

[ra-robn]

After 9 hours of Check Outs and SO many hard goodbyes, this is the first thing I see when I sit down to relax on Facebook. I. Love. This. Job.

[ra-robn]

Goodbye presents from my Brazillian residents "Robn, I wanted to give you these gifts from my home because you made THIS place our home. You've been so good to us." AHHHHHHHHHHH THIS DAY SUUUUUUUUUUUCKS

[ra-robn]

Move Out Day :(

[ra-robn]

Writing goodbye/thank you notes to each one of my Residents.

[ra-robn]

[Been inevitably busy this week, sorry for not posting!] Here is my last Hall-Decoration-Thingy. I borrowed the idea from fellow RA blogger girararaffe! and modified it for my Residents. Finals Countdown: 8 Foods of Focus 7 Ways to Feel Awake 6 Stages of Procrastination 5 Places to Study 4 Places to Unwind 3 People to Look to for Help 2 Motivational Quotes 1 Solid GPA!

[ra-robn]

[ra-robn]

Another pulled fire alarm............... at 4 in the morning.................. HAPPY FINALS WEEK, EVERYBODY

[ra-robn]

This is the only time I'll say this, but it'd be cool to have a hall of girls so I could put Ryan Gosling motivational memes up...... Pretty sure my 40 guys would not appreciate it haha

[ra-robn]

IS IT SUMMER YET

[ra-robn]

one on hand, your blog makes me super happy because your enthusiasm is so wonderful and you really care about your residents!(my RA doesn't really give a shit) on the other hand, your blog makes me really sad because I applied to be an RA at me school and didn't get it(let me tell you, that is the most crushing moment of worthlessness i have ever felt EVER jesus) i'm so conflicted haha

Thank you, and I'm sorry! I know a few people who applied last year and didn't get it. They were sad, but they didn't give up! Through out the year, they joined as many Housing committees as possible, went to every RA event put on, got to know the current RAs and Coordinators, even worked as Student Assistants in our offices. I have no doubt in my mind they'll get it next year, just because they kept showing a passion and interest. If you really wanna be an RA, don't give up. Just get involved :)